Peru's water and sanitation crisis

Out of its population of 34 million people, 16 million people (48% of the population) lack access to safe water and 14 million people (42%) lack access to a safe toilet. Access to safe water and sanitation has improved in Peru in recent years, yet significant shortfalls in both public infrastructure and household facilities remain.

Peru’s diverse landscape includes a rapidly expanding urban population, leading to urban slums which have limited or no access to safe piped water, impacting the health of the people living there. This is in addition to communities in the remote regions of the Amazon and Andes with no access to piped or treated drinking water or safe human waste disposal. Droughts and stress on aging infrastructure pose threats, as well.

Despite these challenges, the Peruvian microfinance market is among the most developed in the world. Water.org sees great potential in this market to increase access to water and sanitation through our smart solutions.

  • Stories of Impact

    Empower families in Peru with safe water and toilets

    Together we've empowered millions of people in need of safe water and sanitation in Peru. Through small, affordable lives are being changed and futures are bright. Read more about how Water.org is working with local partners in Peru to bring families the water connections and toilets they need to live hopeful, healthy lives.

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  • Stories of Impact

    The solution for millions

    Many people who lack access to water and sanitation know how to solve that problem. They just need a little financial help to make it possible. Dads like Ricardo share the desire of dads around the globe to give their families safe water at home. Making small, affordable loans available for people like Ricardo is how we’re making access to safe water and sanitation possible for all.

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    Ricardo - Peru
  • Stories of Impact

    She can move mountains

    Yolanda is a hopeful, determined woman. We know this because every day she works to provide water for her family. Her home sits above the city of Cusco in the Andes Mountain range at more than 2,000 feet from the center of town. Yolanda purchases buckets of water from residents in town. At least every other morning, she makes her way down the steep, rocky road from her house to buy as much water as she can carry back up the more than one mile vertical trek.

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Peru impact statistics

People reached 5.1 million

The number of people who now have access to safe water or sanitation and the health and opportunity they bring.

Capital mobilized (USD) $1.5 billion

Our partners mobilize funds from capital markets to provide water and sanitation loans.

Loans disbursed 1.3 million

Our local partners make loans to people in need for life-changing safe water and sanitation solutions.

Number of active partners 4

We work with financial institutions, service providers, international agencies, and governments to make an impact.

Repayment rate 98%

Every repaid loan means another family in need can get affordable access to safe water at home.

Average loan size (USD) $1,129

Small loans can help make a big difference by providing long-term solutions for families in need around the world.

Percent of women borrowers 44%

Women are primarily responsible for household water collection and are solving the water crisis for their families.

Households living under $6.85/day 71%

We are committed to helping people living in poverty get access to safe water and sanitation solutions at home.

To help end the water crisis in Peru, donate today.

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